Advance file photoAssemblyman Michael Cusick told the Advance he won't run for a seat in Congress.

Assemblyman Michael Cusick has taken his name out of the running to replace GOP Rep. Vito Fossella in Congress.

"I took a hard look at Congress," Cusick (D-Mid-Island) told the Advance in a telephone interview moments ago. "I looked hard at what it would take to get there. The one thing utmost in my mind was what would be best for the people I serve, and the people of Staten Island as a whole."

Cusick said he was also concerned about having a fight over the seat within the Democratic Party.

"I don't want to have a fight for the seat, a fight in the party," Cusick said. "This is a hard decision for me."

Cusick said he will run for re-election to the state Assembly instead. He said he will support the eventual Democratic nominee in the congressional race.

Cusick's decision leaves City Councilman Michael McMahon (D-North Shore) as the top Island lawmaker in the race. Councilman Domenic Recchia and attorney Stephen Harrison, both Brooklynites, are already running.

Island Democrats will interview candidates for the seat and hold their county nominating convention tonight.